Weak erections cheat two thirds of men, women of satisfying sex

Sydney, Feb 17 (IANS) An Asia Pacific sexual health survey in 13 countries including India has uncovered staggering levels of sexual dissatisfaction among 60 percent of both men and women, thanks to erectile dysfunction (ED). The Asia Pacific Sexual Health and Overall Wellness (AP SHOW) survey found that men with “suboptimal erections” are less satisfied with sex and other aspects of the sexual experience.

The survey also found that men and women who are “completely” or “very satisfied” with sex are more than three times more likely to feel good about their relationships and life overall compared to those who are only “somewhat” or “not at all satisfied” with sex.

Fifty four percent of men with optimal erectile function say that it is “very true” that they feel good about their relationships compared to 47 percent with suboptimal erections.

Among women, this difference is significantly more pronounced - 65 percent of women whose partners have optimal erection function say that it is “very true” that they feel good about their relationships, compared to only 32 percent of women whose partners have suboptimal erections.

The data was based on survey of 3,957 sexually active men and women (2,016 males and 1,941 females). The respondents were aged between 25-74 years and had had sexual intercourse at least once in the past 12 months.

Rosie King, sexual health physician, Sydney Centre for Sexual and Relationship Therapy, said: “A person’s willingness to talk about sexual health and performance is heavily influenced by diverse cultural beliefs and practices - most patients and even doctors are uncomfortable initiating such discussions. Therefore, a great many people remain untreated.”

Suboptimal erections are a common problem, affecting more than 50 percent of men aged 40 to 70 years. Erection problems and suboptimal erections are not a normal part of ageing. An older male has just as much right to normal sexual functioning as younger men.

Suboptimal erections can be due to an underlying illness or medication, and is not always due to psychological factors alone. Suboptimal erections often have a mixed genesis, both organic and psychological. Concomitant physical disease is an important cause of suboptimal erections, said a Sydney Centre release.

Effective and convenient treatments are available and international medical consensus has affirmed that in suitable patients with suboptimal erections or ED, oral medications should be the first-line treatment.